Murdoch College’s relationship with Bhutan is excess of company, it’s a particular bond, strengthened by particular person friendships and mutual respect.
The connection is exemplified by Conor Murphy, considered one of Murdoch’s Regional Managers for worldwide recruitment, who not solely has embraced Bhutan’s folks, has developed a real understanding and appreciation of the philosophies basic to Bhutanese tradition.
He has visited Bhutan 18 occasions in 12 years.
Bhutan is a magical and distinctive vacation spot. There may be nowhere on earth prefer it. The folks I’ve met there are intrinsic to those particular reminiscences and connections,” Mr Murphy stated.
“Bhutan could have one of many smallest populations on this planet (roughly 750,000 folks) and be bodily sandwiched between two powerhouse nations (India and China) but, Bhutan’s Royal household continues to steer the world in a aware and sustainable manner, from establishing Gross Nationwide Happiness to the imaginative and prescient of constructing a self-sufficient and utterly sustainable, Mindfulness Metropolis.”
Mr Murphy stated there have been many parallels between the tiny nation and college he represents.
“Murdoch is proudly distinctive so it’s no shock now we have change into nice associates with Bhutan as a result of there are such a lot of synergies, now we have related values and aren’t afraid to be totally different,” he stated.
Murdoch’s efforts in Bhutan – delivering partnerships, scholarships and different alternatives – are formed by the College’s strategic themes (Sustainability; Fairness, Variety and Inclusion; and First Nations) and by Bhutan’s pillars for Gross Nationwide Happiness with consideration to the long run path of the nation with the Mindfulness Metropolis.
“Bhutan’s historical past is wonderous and magical. To immerse your self into the teachings over 1000’s of years, you will need to permit your thoughts’s capability to exceed your recognized limitations,” Mr Murphy stated.
“As soon as Bhutan grew to become a Kingdom within the early 1900’s, the preservation of this tradition and custom has been matched by the nation’s demonstrable dedication to supporting the atmosphere and longevity of the world. Bhutan is the one carbon damaging nation on this planet.
Not all leaders want be the largest.”
This mindset was evident at Murdoch when the Federal Authorities launched modifications to Put up Research Work Visas for worldwide college students earlier this yr. With a big cohort of Bhutanese college students set to graduate mid-year, Murdoch’s instructing workers set about finishing marking of their remaining papers earlier than the top of June.
This motion resulted within the college students being eligible to use for a four-year Put up Research Work Visa as a substitute of two years had their marks not been in by June 30, and demonstrated Murdoch’s appreciation for its college students and the lengths it goes to help them.
This help extends past the campus. One of many guiding ideas behind Murdoch’s worldwide recruitment efforts has been to deal with ‘giving again’.
In 2019 a partnership was shaped between Murdoch and the Bhutan Youth Growth Fund, the non-public mission of Her Majesty the Queen Mom Ashi Tseyring Pem Wangchuck. From shared values and function got here the curation of group targeted tasks via the New Colombo Plan and the creation of Murdoch’s 50 per cent scholarship which was not too long ago prolonged till 2027.
Murdoch’s Bhutan Worldwide Crew, comprising Mr Murphy and three in-country workers Koonden Wandga, Karma Choden and Kinga Tshong, was not too long ago nominated for the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Award – Skilled Workers 2024 in recognition of the group’s efficiency and engagement past customary roles and tasks.
Among the many tasks the group has delivered to life are the Trongsa Penlop (King’s) PhD Scholarship valued round $250,000, 5 50 per cent undergraduate scholarships since 2022, and $100,000 raised to ascertain a place-based studying faculty via the Bhutan Youth Growth Fund.
Mr Murphy stated none would have been doable with out the unwavering help of the College’s senior leaders.
“Seeing the management championing these tasks instils an simple stage of function, perception in what is feasible and finally a way of fulfilment in what could be a precarious world,” he stated.
“Regardless of how small we could also be, we every have the potential to make a distinction – a drop of water may be a drop, however the ripples go far and large.”
Header Picture: Conor Murphy with Her Majesty the Queen Mom of Bhutan.
